Interregional Interaction in Southern East Asia: Evidence from a Bronze Yue-Axe in the Collection of Hunan Museum

CHEN Rui

This study examines a bronze Yue-axe from the Warring States period, which is housed in the Hunan Museum, with the aim of examining interaction patterns between the Baiyue cultures of southern China and the Dong Son culture of northern Vietnam. Through an analysis of the artifact’s form, decorative motifs, and archaeological distribution, the study concludes that the human figures and geometric saw-tooth patterns on this type of bronze Yue-axe exhibit significant similarities to decorative motifs frequently observed on Dong Son bronze drums and situlae. Concurrently, the composition and stylistic details reflect distinctive local characteristics. Archaeological evidence indicates that such bronze yue-axes are predominantly distributed across the region from northern Guangxi to southwestern Hunan, suggesting the dissemination of Dong Son decorative elements into the Xiang River basin and adjacent areas. Nonetheless, the emergence of these motifs should not be interpreted merely as a result of cultural diffusion. Rather, it exemplifies the selective appropriation and creative adaptation of external symbolic elements by Baiyue societies within their own ritual traditions. The bronze Yue-axe thus serves as significant material evidence for cultural interaction between southern China and mainland Southeast Asia during the late Bronze Age, providing new insights into artistic exchange and regional connectivity in the southern region of East Asia.